Is the Area Code Part of Your Phone Number?

The area code in a phone number represents specific geographical regions where the number belongs to. These codes appear at the beginning of a phone number and are usually three digits but can vary depending on the country. They are usually used to distinguish telephone areas while making calls.

Furthermore, each area code has unique digits for specific areas. This helps the phone networks to accurately route the calls, whether they’re local or international calls.

Before area codes, phone calls were made through the local exchange, where calls within specific regions were directly connected by an operator.  
 

The NANP's first area code was 201 for New Jersey. By the 1950s, the numbering plan introduced all 86 of the original area codes for different geographical regions. Implementing area codes helped with effective call routing and made overseas calls more efficient, ensuring that each number had a unique identifier.

As the number of users grew, only 86 area codes were insufficient for all regions. So, NANP planned to introduce new ones. They followed two main methods for creating new area codes: Geographical Split or Overlay Plan.

Geographical split is a process in which regions under the existing phone code are divided into two or more parts, each getting a new area code. The new territories get the new area codes, while the old regions retain the existing ones.

Similarly, in the overlay plan, a new area code is introduced for the same region and serves the same territories. This way, new telephone number users receive the new area code, and old area code users can choose between the new and old area codes.

Area codes are of two main types: Geographic and Non Geographic.

Geographic area codes are tied to certain areas. These phone number prefixes route calls to the correct geographical regions, ensuring that callers reach their intended destination accurately.
 

For instance, in the US, 914 represents Yonkers, 716 symbolizes Buffalo, and 585 is assigned to Rochester in New York. 

A non-geographic area code has no regional boundaries and is used for nationwide reach and call routing. These numbers can be toll-free numbers and emergency hotline numbers, which are mostly free for callers as the calling charges are borne by the recipient. They are primarily used in call centers and customer services.
 

For instance, 800 and 911 are some well-known examples of the non-geographic area codes used for toll-free and emergency services, respectively.

First, area codes represent specific geographical regions and help call routing more effectively. Additionally, they are useful in urgent situations where you need immediate help. 

A geographic area code serves as a marker in a phone number. It helps identify the locations of the callers and recipients. Assigned to specific locations, area codes provide clear boundaries between different places. As such, you can call anyone without experiencing any mismatch in connection. 

Also, enterprises with local numbers seem more established and legitimate. This improves customer trust and helps firms maintain healthy relationships with clients and customers in the community.

Call routing becomes easy with area code numbers, especially for long-distance and overseas calls. Telecommunication companies can effectively route incoming calls to different regions and places, allowing you to reach your relatives or enterprises far from you without any issues. 

Area codes enable emergency services to determine the caller’s location instantly for a timely response. This capability is significant in critical situations where every second counts.

For instance, you are in an emergency, and dial 911 number for help. The responder can easily recognize your location by seeing the area code of your region. This way, you will get the instant support to solve your problems. 

Since an area code helps calls route smoothly, it is helpful for service providers to manage calls properly. This reduces network traffic that arises during high call volumes, and users can easily reach their preferred destinations without suffering network fluctuations. 

Telephone carriers have limited numbers. If the demand for numbers grows and the available numbers run out in any region, new area codes can be added to create more numbers. This ensures the availability of telephone number services for individuals and businesses.

In a complete phone number, the area code comes after the country code and international prefix or before the subscriber’s number.
 

For example:
 

+1-212-1234567 is the phone number of New York City, US, where 212 is the NYC’s area code.
 

+44 20 7123 4567 is the phone number of London, UK, where 20 is London’s area code.

• Introduction of new area code: The area code introduction concept started in 1947, first in the US, with the creation of area codes 212 for New York City and 312 for Chicago.
   
• ‘0’ and ‘1’ rule: Initially, the middle digit was restricted to either 0 or 1 to differentiate area codes from local exchange codes, also known as central office codes.
   
• Unique stories: Some area codes have unique stories. For example, Nova Scotia’s area code 902 in Canada reflects its maritime heritage and is also the region's ship-to-shore radio code.
   
• Reference in songs: Rapper Ludacris has a song, “Area Codes,” which mentions different area codes like 901, 312, 305, and 313.
   
• Government use: Some area codes are reserved for military and government communications to ensure secure and effective connectivity for defense operations.

Area codes play an important role in phone numbers. Primarily, they serve as geographical identifiers and help call routing smoothly. Additionally, they support emergency services by providing the right information about the caller’s location. Also, using phone numbers with specific area codes helps businesses to create a local presence in a particular region.

While it was difficult to acquire a local phone number with your desired area code in the past, virtual phone number providers, like Calilio, have made things easy. You can Sign Up, register your account, and purchase a number with your preferred area code instantly.  

The main purpose of an area code is to route calls effectively to the specified region/territory.

Yes, generally, all the local phone numbers include area codes and identify the specific regions. Plus, many countries, like the US, have area codes in their mobile numbers as well.  

Area codes basically come before the subscriber’s number and after the country code in the phone numbers.